Is the US on a Path to Victory in Afghanistan?
Host:
Produced by:
Subscribe to this Podcast:
Listen to/Watch entire show:
It's a crucial moment for the war in Afghanistan, but General Petraeus is not getting much attention as he testifies to Congress about what he calls "progress" that is "fragile and reversible." With public opinion turning against the war, what's next for 98,000 American soldiers? Also, Japan scrambles to cool its overheating nuclear reactors. On Reporter's Notebook, Republicans have taken public broadcasting out of the rest of this year's budget. Now they want a permanent funding ban on NPR.
Banner image: Gen. David Petraeus (R), commander of the International Security Assistance Force and commander of US Forces Afghanistan, and Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Michele Flournoy (L) testify during a hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee March 15, 2011 on Capitol Hill. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images
Making News
Japan Scrambles to Cool Overheating Reactors ()
Because of Japan's nuclear crisis, China today suspended approval to build 28 nuclear power plants. Germany is shutting down reactors for "safety checks," while other countries are denouncing what they call, "nuclear hysteria." Energy Secretary Steven Chu says new power plants are still part of America's plans for "clean" electricity. But he told Congress today events in Japan are more serious than Three Mile Island. Brian Vastag is science reporter for the Washington Post.
Guests:
- Brian Vastag: Washington Post, @brianvastag
Main Topic
Is America's Longest War Being Forgotten? ()
A new poll shows that 64 percent of Americans no longer believe the war in Afghanistan is worth fighting. Yesterday, US Senators paid little attention to General David Petraeus' first public report since he took command last year, and he'll talk to a House counterpart today. News coverage has been minimal and he's unlikely to make a dent in public opinion, which has turned against the longest war in US history. But despite all the competing events from Japan to North Africa to Capitol Hill, 98,000 American soldiers are still on the ground. Have the goals of the war changed since September 11? Can it be won? How many troops should come home? How soon?
Guests:
- Gary Langer: ABC News, @LangerResearch
- Yochi Dreazen: National Journal, @yochiNJ
- Alissa Johannsen Rubin: New York Times, @alissanyt
- David Barno: Center for a New American Security
- Leslie Gelb: Council on Foreign Relations
Links:
Reporter's Notebook
House GOP Pushes to Permanently Bar NPR, Affiliates from Funding ()
House Republicans have voted to defund public broadcasting for the rest of this year. Now there's a move to prevent NPR from getting public money permanently. The latest GOP move stems from a highly edited ambush video interview with an NPR fundraiser. Among other things, Ron Schiller told interviewers, who lied about their own identities, that NPR could survive a cutoff of federal funds. His comment that small rural stations would likely close was edited out, but Schiller resigned anyway and NPR fired President Vivian Schiller (who is unrelated). Paul Farhi reports for the Washington Post.
Guests:
- Paul Farhi: Washington Post
Engage & Discuss
Further the conversation with your thoughts and comments. Agree, disagree, present a different perspective -- engage.
For information and guidelines click: Terms of Service | Privacy Policy
Please note, comments are moderated. KCRW reserves the right to edit and or remove posts deemed off-topic, abusive or not in accordance with KCRW's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
